Abstract

In mesangial IgA glomerulonephritis deterioration of renal function is not uncommon, occurring in about 20% of patients after several years. In this paper we present preliminary results of a therapeutic trial with phenytoin in thirty-three patients affected by this nephropathy. Up to 1 year of follow-up no significant changes in renal function, proteinuria or haematuria were seen. A significant decrease in serum IgA and a normalization of the high polymeric IgA levels frequently found in these patients, were observed at this time. Of seven patients rebiopsied, markedly reduced IgA mesangial deposits were seen in one and disappearance in the other, by immunofluorescence and by electron microscopy.